Founder Tarun Galagali joins to bring AI-native capabilities into Lattice’s intelligent people platform
Lattice, the best-in-class people platform where people and AI succeed together, today announced the acquisition of Mandala’s AI-native coaching technology and the addition of its founder, Tarun Galagali.
This acquisition is fundamental for Lattice to build its AI-native future and gives significant momentum in Lattice’s People + AI strategy. Lattice continues to lead the integration of AI with performance management in service to its customers – and helping them no matter where they are on their own AI journey.
Mandala’s founder, Tarun Galagali, will be responsible for leading the development of new AI-native capabilities in Lattice’s people platform. This enables Lattice to serve customers at all stages of AI adoption – from beginners to advanced users.
At Mandala, Galagali trained thousands of leaders across top universities, companies, and high-growth startups including: UC Berkeley, Ohio State University, Grow Therapy, Pendo, Google, and Microsoft. His methodology is grounded in neuroscience, developed in close collaboration with Dr. Michael Platt, Head of Wharton’s Neuroscience Initiative.
This acquisition builds on the company’s existing foundation of performance data, innovations, and trusted engagement insights that help managers grow, lead, and succeed –including its Lattice AI Agent that aligns teams and coaches managers in the flow of work. By being the first to build AI-native solutions that incorporate data for on-demand reviews and calibration, Lattice helps free up time for managers to be more connected, insightful, and impactful leaders.
“Most platforms tell you what happened. We’re building the layer that tells you what to do next. By bringing AI-native capabilities directly into the platform, we’re helping managers lead better in real time by connecting people performance to business outcomes in a way that’s never been possible before. This is how we make work meaningful for everyone,” says Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice.
“Tarun’s pioneering work represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking that will drive step-level change not just for Lattice, but for the HR and performance management industry entirely,” says Franklin.
Market significance
Gartner projects that by 2030, 50% of current HR activities will be AI-automated or performed by AI agents, fundamentally transforming HR’s work, roles, and workflows. As of January of last year, 61% of HR leaders are in advanced stages of implementing generative AI – a dramatic leap from just 19% in 2023 – and 82% planned to deploy agentic AI capabilities over the last year.
Unlike traditional solutions that provide outdated, rearview approaches to performance management, Lattice gives managers real-time, actionable insights grounded safely and securely in company context. Now with the acquisition of Mandala’s technology, Lattice creates the industry’s first AI-native people intelligence platform.
“Lattice has already built an incredible suite of products – a proven platform that thousands of HR leaders already trust,” said Galagali. “What I’m excited to continue building is an AI-native intelligence layer grounded in neuroscience and designed to feel human: the piece that translates people data into actual behavior change and leadership evolution.”
Customer Quotes
“My work at Pendo has centered on building systems that help people learn, grow, and lead with clarity. I saw firsthand how the right tools and structures can expand access, strengthen leadership, and scale impact without adding unnecessary complexity. Mandala supports that same approach by combining personalized coaching with practical tools managers can use in real time.” – Jessica Jolley, Vice President, People Development & Strategy, Pendo
“We wanted to create the most efficient and effective system for growth and feedback. Lattice helps us remove unnecessary feedback burdens while making sure managers engage in meaningful conversations that drive impact.” – JD Slaughter, Group Vice President, Organizational Development & Effectiveness, Huge
